Autistic host Thomas is joined by Ben Schatzel, a human behaviourist and disability labour reformist , to confront the harsh reality of employment for autistic adults — and why it keeps failing us (spoiler, it's not you). Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Ben's Links: https://linktr.ee/benschatzel Code HENLEY25 : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/ In this episode, we discuss: • Why autistic adults struggle to get and keep jobs • How job...
Jun 06, 2025•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 84
Host Thomas Henley is joined by psychologist Laura Gwilt to explore the complexities of the manosphere — the digital world influencing millions of young men and autistic adults . Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Laura's Links: https://linktr.ee/lauragwilt Code HENLEY25 : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/ In this episode, we discuss: What the manosphere actually is , and how varied it is The psychological appeal of the manosphere to autisti...
Jun 01, 2025•2 hr 48 min•Ep. 83
Dr. Margaret Price and Thomas Henley discuss divorce, parenthood, and family court through an autism-focused lens; a raw, vital talk on support, stigma, and systemic failure.Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUKPegi’s Book: https://uk.jkp.com/collections/author-margaret-pegi-price-pid-204569Code HENLEY25 : https://neurodivergentinsights.com/neurodivergent-store/We discuss the challenges faced by families with autistic children in the context of family law. Pegi shares...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 36 min•Ep. 82
New age spirituality brought us star seeds and indigo children, but are autistic people truly spiritual beings? Autistic athiest Thomas Henley talks to Emily Robyn Clark about the links between Autism and spirituality, diving deep into fringe cross-over groups within the Autistic communities online. Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Emilys Links: https://linktr.ee/emilyrobynclark Autistic Burnout Bundle (25% CODE: Henley25) - https://shorturl.at/rPEi3 #thoughtyaut...
Mar 21, 2025•2 hr 7 min•Ep. 81
Romance, chemistry, gut feelings and communication; today we dive into the complexities of dating as an autistic adult. Thomas's Links: linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Daniel's Insta: lnk.bio/nohandshakemusic Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him and receive all the perks! 🎵 Song Of The Day - https://ope...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 80
Claire from Woodshed Theory talks about their intimate experience with Autism and OCD, what the crossovers and differences are, and the intricacies of how Obsessive Compulsive Disorder may manifest. Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Claire's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCQleXj9QNaBUi_XWu4rRfTQ Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 79
Thomas Henley talks to the inventor of the AI-powered app Neurotranslator, an innovative idea for bridging the communication gaps between neurotypicals, autistics and ADHDers. Does Michael offer a replacement for couples therapy or HR intervention at work... or is it a crutch? Let's see. Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Michael's Links: https://linktr.ee/neurotranslator Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you ca...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 78
Thomas Henley talks to NeurodiverJENNt about low support needs autism, its unique challenges, and the conflict between the autistic adult and parenting worlds (read more below). Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK NeurodiverJENNt: https://www.youtube.com/@NeurodiverJENNt Thomas produces weekly videos, livestreams and video versions of the podcast episodes you can view for free on YouTube. Join the 100+ members for only £0.99, support Thomas’ work, interact with him an...
May 26, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 77
Thomas Henley talks to Dr Megan Neff from Neurodivergent Insights about the sleep issues autistic people face and how to fix them. Dr Neff is a clinical psychologist, researcher and writer with a flair for Instagram, a detailed understanding of the complexities of Neurodiversity and their own lived experience with Autism and ADHD (read more below). Why do autistic people struggle with sleep? Do autistic people have a different sleep cycle? How can we fix autism sleep issues? Let's answer these b...
May 19, 2024•47 min•Ep. 76
Thomas Henley talks to Emma Stone, a cerebral palsy advocate (dystonia) and decorated horseriding athlete, currently studying a variety of Work Preparation modules in college and working in a local cafe. Emma speaks on how others treat her differently and what mentality she has in the face of adversity (read more below). What are the stigmas and stereotypes attached to cerebral palsy? What is daily life with dystonia like? What is cerebral palsy and how does it develop? Let's answer these questi...
May 12, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 75
Thomas Henley talks to Mike from Autistic_AF about his experiences owning and managing a large number of animals or pets, why Autism makes pet ownership difficult, what benefits pets can offer autistic people, and which strategies he uses to maintain his sanity long-term (read more below). What are the challenges autistic people experience with pets and how can you manage them? How can pets benefit autistic and disabled people? WHY does Mike have 2 therapy peacocks? Let's answer these questions....
May 05, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 74
Thomas Henley talks to Sensei Al Loren about his experience in martial arts and his unique approach to coaching autistic children and adults (read more below). What are the benefits of martial arts for autistic people? How far should we push autistic people out of their comfort zone? How can YOU start martial arts training? Let's answer these questions. Thomas's Links: https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Al's Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Martial-Arts-Autism-Spectrum-Practical/dp/B...
Feb 24, 2024•59 min•Ep. 73
Thomas Henley talks to lead cannabis researcher Dr Miyabe Shields about how medical marijuana could transform an Autistic or ADHD person's life for the better or worse (read more below). Why are 70% of daily marijuana users Autistic? How can medical marijuana be used by Autistic or ADHD adults to support them? What are the negative impacts of marijuana on neurodivergent or neurotypical individuals? Let's answer these questions. DISCLAIMER: This information should NOT be viewed or used as medical...
Dec 20, 2023•1 hr 44 min•Ep. 72
Thomas Henley talks to Paul Isaacs, an autistic public speaker who was late diagnosed with autism and OCD at the age of 24 in 2010. Paul was functionally non-verbal till the age of 11, suffering from a brain injury from cerebral hypoxia before birth. Paul details his life with visual and speech disorders, and how others can better understand the experience (read more below). Thomas' Links - https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK Paul's Blog - https://theisaacs22.wordpress.c...
Aug 14, 2023•2 hr 5 min•Ep. 71
Why do ADHD and Autism get misdiagnosed as Bipolar Disorder? What impact does bipolar medication have on someone? How do Brandon and Thomas process anger differently? Brandon Christ (@autistically_b) was diagnosed with Autism (ASD-2) and ADHD recently after a long life of being misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Working in physiotherapy with a passion for baseball and fitness, Brandon seeks to open up about his experiences with late-diagnosed life and how fitness has shaped him as a person. My ...
Aug 09, 2023•2 hr 3 min•Ep. 70
Why are Autistic people more prone to addiction? What is the difference between substance addiction and process addiction? How can you recover from addiction? Patrick Casale (@allthingsprivatepractice) is a licensed clinical mental health counselor and addiction specialist in Asheville North Carolina (USA), diagnosed Autistic at the age of 35 years old. Patrick runs group psychotherapy sessions and retreats for LGBTQIA+ and Autism individuals but also coaches mental health practitioners on how t...
Jul 24, 2023•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 69
Why do Autistic people gravitate toward Philosophy? Why did Emily turn from Christianity to Buddhism? What is existentialism and how can it positively or negatively affect someone? Emily Robyn Clark is a multi-award-winning screenwriter, filmmaker, poet, songwriter, and practicing Buddhist under the SGI organisation. Her film 'Love Spell' (which she wrote, produced, and directed) which won 12 awards and nominated 2 major film festivals. My Links - https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK...
Jul 10, 2023•1 hr 40 min•Ep. 68
What challenges do Autistic-Allistic relationships present? How can neurodiverse couples communicate better? What qualities do Autistic relationships need to be successful? Mona Kay (@neurodiverse_love) is an ADHDer, podcaster, and relationship coach. Married for 30 years to an Autistic man, together for 32, but only aware they were a neurodiverse couple after the 29th year... after her divorce she started the Neurodiverse Love Podcast. Mona uses her experiences and knowledge to offer new and ne...
Jul 04, 2023•1 hr 53 min•Ep. 67
What barriers face late-diagnosed autistic individuals? Do autistic people really have support for employment? What options do autistic people have for finding friendship and love? Pedro Ferreria is a late-diagnosed autistic adult with a passion for retro video games and a voice to share. He describes himself as 'falling through the cracks', facing challenges in friendship, independence, romance, and employment throughout his 40 years. My Links - https://linktr.ee/thomashenleyUK...
Jun 26, 2023•1 hr 37 min•Ep. 66
What does intentional and unintentional gaslighting look like for Autistic people? Why is Mate Crime such a big problem for us? What are some neurodiverse relationship green flags and red flags? Joely Williams (@joelywilliams_myautisticwings) is a physically disabled Autistic speaker and author based in the UK. Diagnosed Autistic at 2 years old, but only aware of her neurodivergence at age 13, she speaks on lesser-known aspects of Autism and mental health from her own lived experience and knowle...
Jun 12, 2023•1 hr 41 min•Ep. 65
What is the crossover between Autism and ADHD? What strengths and weaknesses do AuDHD people have? How is mental health different for AuDHD individuals? Mattia Maurée (they/them) is the host of The Longer Road podcast and creator of the @AuDHDFlourishing Instagram account. Mattia has a bustling professional life within music and art, being a working artist, composer, teacher, and poet. They grew up in Seattle but now reside in Philadelphia, and coaches AuDHD individuals on realising their true p...
Jun 05, 2023•1 hr 58 min•Ep. 64
What are the RED FLAGS of Autistic Burnout? What are some Autistic Burnout symptoms and signs? How can you better manage your energy and regulation to avoid Autistic Burnout in the future? Vera is the Founder of @HappyAutisticLady with her sister Ivi, which is a business offering resources, stickers, art, and speaking about Autism and Neurodiversity. Residing in the UK and the Czech Republic, Vera works with the Ambitious About Autism youth network and within Civil Services, where she looks at g...
May 22, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 63
What early signs of Autism did Thomas have in childhood? Why did Michelle choose to diagnose Thomas as Autistic? How does mental health impact Autistic children? TW: Mental health Michelle Henley is first and foremost, the host's mother. Starting off in the 90s as a special needs teacher, she worked up to a respectable role of a SEND lead for the Redcar & Cleveland Local Authority. She did a lot of work on educating mainstream teachers about Autism, but also parents through peer awareness. M...
May 16, 2023•1 hr 48 min•Ep. 62
Why is there so much stigma for mental health in Autistic men? Is body dysmorphia an issue for men? What support can Autistic people get at University? TW: Mental health, ED, SH, and light mentions of SUI Kieron Lee (@mr.kieronlee [https://www.instagram.com/mr.kieronlee/]) is an Autistic music artist, Autism advocate under Anna Kennedy OBE, JAAQ content creator, and collaborator with Born Anxious. His first single NYN, touched on his experiences of relationships as an Autistic man, and is hopefu...
May 08, 2023•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 61
Why do 6 in 10 Autistic people contemplate taking their life? Why is mental illness so prevalent in Autistic people? What are Thomas' and Hina's experience with mental illness? TW: Mental health, bullying, ED, SH, and SUI Hina is a UK-based community support officer who is currently working on a creative SUI prevention project, coproduced with Autistic adults and seeking to shed light on the experiences of Autistic people. Within the episode, she shares her experiences with contamination OCD, me...
May 01, 2023•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 60
Who is Rachel Barcellona? Why did her Christian school try to 'cure her Autism'? How did Rachel Barcellona become Miss Florida? TW: Bullying and one mention of inappropriate touching of a minor Rachel Barcellona (@rachelbarcellonaxo), also known as Miss Florida, is a US-based model, singer, stand-up comedian, theatre star, and autism advocate. Her company 'Ability Beyond Disability inc' serves to cement her dream of providing adequate inclusion for all people. Working closely with the EPIC Playe...
Apr 23, 2023•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 59
How do you know if you're Autistic or have ADHD? What are the differences between Autism and ADHD? What similarities do Autism and ADHD have? Brooke Schnittman (@Coachingwithbrooke) is an entrepreneur and ADHD coach with a team of 8 ADHD coaches; with over 120k Instagram followers, Brooke produces a lot of content raising awareness of ADHD traits and how to work with those traits practically in your own life. Brooke's Links - https://linktr.ee/coachingwithbrooke [https://linktr.ee/coachingwi...
Apr 23, 2023•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 58
What home sensory adjustments work for Autistic adults and children? What is Neurodiversity-Affirming parenting? What sensory supports can you use at work or school? Natashia runs the @iwanttotellyoubooks Instagram account, a take on Autism parenting that focuses on Neurodiversity-affirming, Autistic expert informed parenting. Natashia works on encouraging sensory adjustments in school and at home, highlighting the importance of teaching self-advocacy, a strength-based social model of disability...
Apr 16, 2023•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 57
Is Dissociative Identity Disorder real and can people fake it? How does DID develop? How is DID related to BPD and PTSD? @N0trixx is a dark trap artist and music producer seeking to share her stories to contribute to awareness of Dissociative Identity Disorder and mental illness. With a multitude of different creative talents, N0trixx not only dabbles in the dark side of life, but she's also experienced it, which is reflected in her modeling, graphics, and of course… her music. N0trixx Links - h...
Mar 26, 2023•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 52
How can you develop yourself as an autistic adult in a neurotypical world? Should you take advice from the general media or even close ones? How can you craft a life and persona that reflects your dreams or ideals? Nathan Hall (@ThePhysioBox) is an ex-professional Taekwondo fighter, NHS high-security hospital ward worker, and physiotherapist based out of Manchester, UK. With a master's degree in strength and conditioning and a flair for lifestyle coaching, Nathan seeks to share his knowledge of ...
Mar 19, 2023•1 hr 52 min•Ep. 55
